The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in November 2016

november-articles-2016

Hello World,

As of today, we’re one week into December so before any more of the month gets away from me, below is my Top 10 monthly roundup of blog posts and or articles for black Christian women ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out:) ! ) As usual, let me know if you like my list! Enjoy and share!

1. “In the Wake of Trump’s Election, A Meeting in the Ladies’ Room” by Amy Butler and Leslie Copeland-Tune

Excerpt: Four percent of black women voted for Donald Trump to be president of the United States. While others didn’t like Hillary Clinton or didn’t trust her, we understood that there was really no other choice for us. We have lived the tension between racism and sexism our whole lives. We know that as a black woman you have to be even more than 10 times better, more educated, more prepared than a man to just be considered minimally qualified. We knew that we could not give the office of president of the United States to someone who used racism and misogyny to win, someone who belittled women and sexualized his own daughter. No, not on our watch. Amy, what we don’t understand is why our white sisters, who as women share at least a part of our struggle, came out and voted to support him? How can this be? What in the world happened? See more at: baptistnews.com.

2. “U Name It: Viral Star Shirley Caesar”

3. “Keepin’ It Locked ‘Til She Gets A Rock: What We Can Learn From Insecure’s Yvonne Orji” by Stephanie Caudle

Excerpt: Yvonne, despite her character Molly’s sex life, is a 32-year-old virgin. Charlamagne jokingly told her that she played her character a little too well to be a virgin but Yvonne persisted that this was in fact her truth. “Personally, I had plans to have sex when I turned 18,” she said. “I was dating [dude] and I had it figured out. But, I got to college at 17 in D.C and then I got saved.” See more at: xonecole.com.

4. “Pastors Tell Black Women to be Passive and Wait for Love. I Don’t Believe in That” b

Excerpt: Because the statistical odds are not in our favor, many of us are so desperate to understand why we’re not married and what we need to do to get married that we will listen to whoever seems as though they have the answers. Most often that boils down to two categories of folks: men and ministers, because as far as we know, they have an inside connection. It’s a situation ripe for exploitation: best-selling books, sold-out conferences, some of them birthed from a genuine desire to help, some of them preying on the vulnerabilities of good, Christian women trying to figure out why, despite faith and diligent prayer, their spouse’s arrival has been indefinitely postponed. See more at: washingtonpost.com.

5. “7 Women Besides Susan B. Anthony Whose Graves Deserve ‘I Voted’ Stickers” by Maddy Foley

Excerpt: Every election, a pilgrimage to Rochester, New York takes place. People from all over the United States, a large number of them women, place their “I Voted” stickers on suffragette Susan B. Anthony’s grave, an homage to her fight for the 19th Amendment. But there are a number of women besides Susan B. Anthony whose graves deserve “I Voted” stickers — and today, let’s honor them…Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth escaped with her baby daughter in 1826. In 1828, she sued her former owner for custody of her son and won, becoming the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. Truth is perhaps most famous for her extemporaneous speech “Ain’t I A Woman?” delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. The speech argued for the equal rights of women as well as African-Americans. Truth is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. See more at: bustle.com.

6. “Off-Duty Buffalo Officer Saves a Life on Plane to Las Vegas” by

Excerpt: Buffalo Police Officer Jennifer D. Whitaker arrived at a 911 call for a woman who had collapsed last year. She panicked and froze. Other first responders soon arrived and revived the woman. “I made a vow to God that I would act immediately if given the opportunity again,” Whitaker said. She kept her vow on a recent flight to a friend’s wedding in Las Vegas. “I was listening to Gospel music on my headphones when I heard somebody saying, ‘Help this lady, help this lady.’ It must have been loud. I could hear it over my music.” Whitaker jumped up and looked behind her. A woman was lying unconscious in the aisle. See more at: buffalonews.com.

7.  “Sasha and Chuck Fenda Collaborate”

Excerpt:  Born Karen Chin, Sasha is no newcomer to the music industry. In 2004, while still a secular artiste, she enjoyed international success with “I’m Still In Love With You,” a duet which she recorded with Sean Paul for his Dutty Rock album on Atlantic Records. The song topped reggae charts globally and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although she has walked away from the secular stage since she became a Christian, she is not afraid of being judged on this project as it is reminiscent of her earlier recordings. See more at: jamaica-star.com.

8. “‘The Girls’ Gatherings are Great Assets for Black Women” by Alonzo Kittrels

Excerpt: A few Sundays ago, I overheard several female members at church discussing plans to attend a gathering at the home of a church member. I must admit that I did not pay much attention to the conversation until I learned that the gathering, only involving females, was a luncheon for “the girls” to come together as a way to show appreciation for those that provided kindnesses and support to this member during a recent medical challenge. The get-together was also an opportunity for friends and family to bond. See more at: phillytrib.com.

9. “New Music Center at Evanston Seminary to Focus on Black Church Experience” by Genevieve Bookwalter

Excerpt: The Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church Experience will begin educating students Jan. 22 with four-day classes of intense study, designed for church musicians who want to advance their skills but don’t always have the time or finances to enroll for a full semester, officials said. The Rev. Cynthia Wilson, assistant vice president of student life and dean of students at Garrett-Evangelical, said she expects the inaugural class to come from the Chicago area and throughout the Midwest. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines, including dance, choral development, liturgy and “worship and holy hip-hop,” among other courses. See more at: chicagotribune.com.

10. “BET’s ‘Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration’ Brought Us Some Much-Needed Joy” by Shamika Sanders

Excerpt: As the last days of the Obama administration fade into yesterday, we are reminded of their love story with programs like BET’s ‘Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration’ special that aired last night. Hosted by Terrence J. and Regina Hall, the celebratory event featured star-studded performances by Jill Scott, Janelle Monaé, Common, Usher, Bell Biv DeVoe, The Roots, De La Soul, Yolanda Adams, Michelle Williams, Kierra Sheard, and former Hamilton star Leslie Odom, Jr. See more at: elev8.hellobeautiful.com.

If you know of any black Christian women bloggers and or writers, please e-mail me at jacqueline@afterthealtarcall.com as I’m always interested in expanding my community of black Christian women blogs and websites. As I noted before, while this is a roundup of interesting blog posts and or articles for black Christian women, you don’t have to be one to appreciate these pieces  🙂

Any thoughts?

The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in October 2016

foreverduncan

Hello World,

Per usual, I took note of blog posts and or articles that illuminate the path for black Christian women as I am one… So below is my Top 10 monthly roundup of blog posts and or articles for black Christian women ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out:) ! ) As usual, let me know if you like my list! Enjoy and share!

1.”Why The Inspiring Couple Behind #ForeverDuncan Got Married The Same Day As The Proposal [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]” by Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell

If you haven’t heard about the sweet and innovative love story of how Alfred Duncan proposed to his then girlfriend Sherrell and married her on the same day (Oct.1) after planning the wedding without her knowing about it, you have to fall in love with them too.  See more at: elev8.hellobeautiful.com.

2.”Kirk Franklin Gives His Daughter Away to Her Groom, Pens Emotional Letter Pre-Wedding [PHOTOS]” by Aliya Faust

Excerpt: In more wedding news, Gospel music star Kirk Franklin‘s family had a very big weekend. The proud – and protective – papa gave one of his daughter’s away in marriage yesterday (October 1); Carrington Franklin said the big “I Do” to her five-year bae, Maxx. Brian McKnight was there to sing “Still In Love” while Kirk, who also officiated the wedding, walked his baby girl Carr down the aisle. Keep scrolling to see some wedding photos taken by guests in attendance, plus one video of the most epic father-daughter dance! See more at: gospelgoodies.com.

3.”6 Possible Reasons Why Christian Men No Longer Want a Church Girl” by Judi Mason

Excerpt: In 2012, Pastor and movie studio executive Devon Franklin married actress and self-professed party girl Meagan Good. In 2015 NFL player Russell Wilson, a devout Christian started dating R& B singer Ciara. Their relationship received a lot of public scrutiny after his announcement that they agreed to remain celibate throughout their courtship. They married in 2016. Pastor Jamal Bryant is currently dating R&B singer Tweet, who was introduced to the world in 2002 with her sexually-charged song, “Oops.” Tweet is now a Christian and has been deemed by Bryant as his Last Lady, meaning she is the “one” for him. And just a few weeks ago actress, singer and talk show host, Adrienne Bailon celebrated her upcoming nuptials to gospel recording artist, singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader Israel Houghton with a Parisian-themed bridal shower. See more at: blackandmarriedwithkids.com.

the-mothers4.”Doubt and Shame in ‘The Mothers’: An Interview with Brit Bennett” by Morgan Jerkins

Excerpt: That is a big question. As far as the book goes, I was interested in the role of black women in the church. Black women essentially are the black church; they are the majority of people who go to churches and do the unseen and unacknowledged labor. I was interested in how black women are not allowed to speak at church — they’re not in the pulpit delivering the sermons most of the time. But they are doing the work that keeps churches afloat. They perform different roles, and are often silenced.

That’s why I wanted to explore the church mothers who are often dismissed as gossipy old ladies and don’t have institutional power. But they do have power. I think gossip has social power. Gossip is the construction of narratives around people; it spreads, and that’s something that’s powerful. See more at: lareviewofbooks.org.

5.”Georgia Female Faith Leaders Join Others in Denouncing Trump’s Remarks” by Shelia Poole

Excerpt: Others, such as Atlanta evangelist Alveda King, still support the Republican nominee. “I really do not appreciate Mr. Trump’s remarks at all,” said King, who was not among those signing the letter. “However, I’ve heard and forgiven so much worse.” Her focus is elsewhere. See more at: myajc.com.

Jennifer Baskerville - Burrows Portrait

Jennifer Baskerville – Burrows Portrait

Excerpt: The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis has elected the first black, female diocesan bishop in the history of the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, director of networking in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, was elected on the second ballot during a diocesan convention held at Christ Church Cathedral Indianapolis on Friday (Oct. 28). See more at: religionnews.com.

7.Tara Middleton Continues to Inspire Despite Inoperable Brain Tumor Diagnosis by Empowering Everyday Women Ministries

Excerpt: After being in hospice for a few months, Tara received a huge surprise. Through The Dream  Foundation and Hospice Care of South Carolina, she met Tamar Braxton, former co-host of The Real. This platform gave Tara the opportunity to share her story and inspire others to believe they can
overcome any obstacle they may face. See more at: empoweringeverydaywomen.com.

8.”The Professor Wore a Hijab in Solidarity — Then Lost Her Job” by Ruth Graham

Excerpt: Hawkins’s relationship with Wheaton’s administration, particularly the provost, Stanton Jones, began to fray within just a few years. Her experiences as a black woman on campus were never hostile, but she was occasionally uncomfortable. Early on, a “hip-hop chapel,” meant to celebrate black styles of worship, read to her more like a minstrel show, an offensive attempt to “check off the diversity box.” She complained and was rebuffed. She felt “spiritually dry,” a term Christians use to describe the feeling of being far from God. “It’s quite a paradox that being in this thoroughly Christian place has been a very difficult time for me faith-wise,” she told me in February. “At Wheaton, unity always trumps diversity.” See more at: nytimes.com.

9.”Kaleidoscope Of Meaning: Chance The Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ And Making Religious Meaning In The Intersection” by Sharde’ Chapman

Excerpt: As the world becomes more secularized, and the black community more radically individual, one often wonders whether the black church still holds a place in the lives of black folks. Especially for generations from the Millenials forward. While that is still a conversation worth exploring, I would argue that Chance the Rapper demonstrates that for many the black churches still holds relevance, but is interpreted differently. I know because as a born and raised Baptist, and clergy, I practice my spiritual and religious underpinnings much differently than my grandmother. My brand of Christianity includes tongue-in-cheek references to black Jesus, tattoos, hymns, and the gospel according to Lil Wayne. See more at: huffingtonpost.com.

10. Exclusive: Aunjanue Ellis on Nate Parker & the ‘Birth of a Nation’ Controversy by Aunjanue Ellis

Excerpt: And Nate’s professed Christianity, which doesn’t seem to allow for forgiveness and grace—given or received—confuses and disaffects those who hear him. It has bred distrust and disdain. And yet, despite all of this, I still believe in Birth of a Nation. I still believe in its rare and transformative power. See more at: ebony.com.

If you know of any black Christian women bloggers and or writers, please e-mail me at jacqueline@afterthealtarcall.com as I’m always interested in expanding my community of black Christian women blogs and websites. As I noted before, while this is a roundup of interesting blog posts and or articles for black Christian women, you don’t have to be one to appreciate these pieces :).

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUESDAY!!!

Any thoughts?

 

Russell Wilson Announces Ciara Is Pregnant!

wilson-baby

Hello World,

First comes love, then comes marriage and then comes a baby in a baby carriage… It’s no secret that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson & his new bride Ciara (They were married on July 6.) are one of my favorite celebrity couples! Their love story is one of my favorites because the good guy won the girl! As someone who was once attracted to the bad boys (and Ciara had this same trait as well…See my post The Top 10 Christian Clichés to Congratulate Christian Couple Russell Wilson & Ciara on Getting Engaged!!!), I’m glad that we both decided to choose the good guy! And now they are writing another chapter to their sweet love story as Ciara is pregnant with their child. Below is the pic he shared on his Instagram page…

The Greatest Blessing of All. Forever Grateful. #BabyWilsonOnTheWay

A photo posted by Russell Wilson (@dangerusswilson) on

Any thoughts?